A DECISION has been made regarding the future of the Saxonvale regeneration site in Frome, leaving residents with mixed feelings about the outcome.

On Wednesday, July 31, Somerset Council chose Acorn Property Group's vision for the Saxonvale regeneration site in Frome, instead of Mayday Saxonvale's plan. This means Acorn will now start negotiating to buy the site.

The Saxonvale site, located in Frome’s town centre and currently sealed off to the public, was the subject of two competing proposals: one from Bristol-based Acorn Property Group and another from locally-based Mayday Saxonvale.

Acorn Property Group plans to build 300 homes, including 160 affordable units, and develop 64,480 square feet of commercial space on the Saxonvale site. The plan also includes a footbridge, a riverside park, a children’s play area, and infrastructure improvements, with each home featuring sustainable energy solutions and £2 million allocated for local schools and road upgrades.

Mayday Saxonvale's plan included building 263 homes with at least 30% affordable units, creating 10,000 square metres of commercial and community space, and adding a riverside park and children’s play area. Their proposal also featured improved cycle links, a hotel and spa, a lido, and nearly £828,000 for local school improvements.

Despite significant support in the town for Mayday, Somerset council voted to sell to Acorn, arguing that it meant building work would start quicker.

A tense six hour meeting of Somerset’s executives at Frome town hall on the evening of Wednesday July 31 saw residents expressing frustration over the decision-making process and questioning the council's priorities regarding the Saxonvale site.

Frome residents appeared to prefer Mayday Saxonvale's plan, which offered more community features and affordable housing. Many were disappointed with the decision that was made by Somerset Council.

One person on social media said: “The fact that many people opposed the Acorn plans and were completely ignored is disgraceful. One of the deciding members doesn’t live in Mendip or even Somerset, yet they can decide what is best for Frome.”

Another person said: “It is an appalling short-term decision made by people who don’t live here, at the expense of the residents.”

Not everyone was opposed to the decision. Some residents believe Acorn’s plan offers a strong balance of new homes and commercial development and appreciate the focus on sustainability and improvements to local infrastructure.

Someone on social media said: “This is fantastic news! The housing crisis is serious and not going away; now I may be able to afford an affordable home in the town centre.”

Another said: “Well done to the Council. You have made the correct decision on the Saxonvale site going to Acorn. Having attended many meetings about this development over the years and seen the wasted time spent with all the public reviews and counter-reviews, I am glad this decision goes to a company with a proven history of getting things done.”

Frome now awaits the completion of this much debated development project.